Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about your meal. And I’ve got a list of 25 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Casseroles that can help you save time in the kitchen on the holiday so you can enjoy more free time with your family.
No matter if you are planning for Canadian Thanksgiving or live in the US, all of these simple casseroles will help make your holiday a breeze. From classic green bean casserole to unique sweet potato casserole, there is something here for everyone’s taste buds.
Are you looking for a little more inspiration for your holiday meal? If so, I’ve got a list of 28 Scrumptious Thanksgiving Appetizers that will be a huge hit with your entire family.
Table of Contents
Stuffing Recipes
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, stuffing is one of the first things that comes to mind. There are several delicious ways to make a yummy stuffing, even in advance of the big day.
Old Fashioned Cornbread Stuffing
This Old-Fashioned Cornbread Stuffing by Noshing With The Nolands is a delicious blend of cornbread, onions, apples, and sausage. It’s a hearty dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other fall gathering.
Herbed Wild Rice and Quinoa Stuffing
This Herbed Wild Rice and Quinoa Stuffing by Kitchen Treaty is a great vegan-friendly side dish to add to your meal plan. It is packed with flavor from the blend of herbs and grains, making it a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Traditional Bread Stuffing Crock-Pot Method
This Traditional Bread Stuffing Crock-Pot Method by Valerie’s Kitchen is a great way to save some oven space and still have a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. This classic stuffing has the perfect texture and flavor.
Sweet Potato Casseroles
Sweet potatoes are a great fall side, and I’ve found some of the best make-ahead casseroles that will make this root vegetable the star of your dinner table. From savory to sweet, there is something in this list for everyone to enjoy.
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole by Noshing With The Nolands is a classic side dish that has been a staple on many holiday tables. With tender sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping, this side dish will have your friends and family raving about it for days.
Vanilla-Scented Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Hazelnut Streusel
Vanilla-Scented Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Hazelnut Streusel by An Edible Mosaic is a perfect addition to any holiday meal. The warm and comforting flavors of vanilla and hazelnut make this dish a crowd-pleaser, and the crunchy hazelnuts on top give this casserole the perfect texture.
Smoked Gouda and Sweet Potato Casserole with Spiced Pecans
Smoked Gouda and Sweet Potato Casserole with Spiced Pecans by With Salt & Wit is a creative way to change up those holiday staples into something new and exciting. The smoky and creamy flavor of the Gouda cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, while the spiced pecans add a crunchy texture and hint of spice.
Candied Yams
Candied Yams by Noshing With The Nolands is a sweet and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for any fall gathering. They’re easy to make and will quickly become a staple at your Thanksgiving celebrations as well.
Potato Recipes
Everyone loves potatoes for the holidays. It wouldn’t be the same without them. You need something to sop up all that gravy, and they go so perfectly with turkey, so I’ve found these delicious potato recipes to help you add some spuds to your meal plan.
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
This Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Recipe by Noshing With The Nolands is perfect for any holiday dinner or gathering. Not only does it save you time on the day of the event, but it also ensures that your mashed potatoes are consistently creamy and delicious.
Baked Potato Casserole
Looking for an easy and delicious side dish to add to your dinner table? Look no further than this Baked Potato Casserole recipe by The Blond Cook. With its creamy, cheesy potato filling and crispy bacon, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Aunt Ruthie’s Mashed Potatoes
Aunt Ruthie’s Mashed Potatoes by Melanie Makes is a beloved family recipe that has been passed down for generations. These creamy, buttery potatoes are a staple at every holiday gathering and special occasion. We promise you won’t regret making them.
Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy Potatoes by Nutmeg Nanny are sometimes also called funeral potatoes. This comfort food is a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. It’s made with layers of creamy potatoes, cheese, and melty cheese goodness on top. What more could you want?
Spinach Parmesan Baked Mashed Potatoes
Spinach Parmesan Baked Mashed Potatoes by Nutmeg Nanny is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic side dish. These potatoes are loaded with fresh spinach and the parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes. And the best part? They’re baked.
Vegetable Casseroles
I don’t know about you, but I have to admit that my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is the vegetable casseroles. There is just something so comforting and satisfying about a warm dish filled with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with a crunchy topping. So, I’ve gathered a list of a few of my favorites to share with you.
Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Bake by Noshing With The Nolands is the perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while still satisfying your comfort food cravings. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Old Time Squash Casserole
Old Time Squash Casserole by Noshing With The Nolands is a comforting and delicious side dish that is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to enjoy the rich flavors of the season.
Zesty Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Zesty Green Bean Casserole Recipe by Noshing With The Nolands is loaded with fresh green beans, a homemade mushroom sauce, and crispy bacon. It’s a homemade twist on this holiday go-to side dish.
Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup
Green Bean Casserole (with no canned soup) by Rachel Cooks is a creamy yet simple way to make this casserole dish without using condensed canned soups. Your family is going to love it!
Traditional Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Traditional Cheesy Broccoli Casserole by Noshing With The Nolands is filled with tender broccoli and melted cheese and finished off with a crunchy butter topping. It’s the ultimate side for your dinner table.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole by Noshing With The Nolands is a great way to sneak some vegetables into your diet and satisfy those cheese cravings at the same time. You will fall in love with this cheesy dish after the first bite.
Easy Cheesy Skillet Corn
Easy Cheesy Skillet Corn by Noshing With The Nolands is made with fresh corn, butter, cheese, and a breadcrumb topping. It’s a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any time of the year. You will get rave reviews for serving this dish.
Cornbread Casserole
If you’re a fan of cornbread, then this Cornbread Casserole recipe from Noshing With The Nolands is a must-try! This delicious casserole combines the classic flavors of sweet and savory cornbread with hearty corn kernels. So, it makes for a comforting and satisfying side dish. I have frozen this casserole also for ease!
Corn and Bacon Casserole
Corn and Bacon Casserole by A Family Feast is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. This easy-to-make casserole features crispy bacon, tender corn kernels, and a creamy sauce. The result is a deliciously rich dish that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Other Make-Ahead Casseroles
If you want to get creative and switch up the usual casseroles for something a little more fun and new, then these casserole recipes are just what you need. They are all so good that they will become a staple on your holiday table in no time at all.
Perogy Stuffed Shells
Perogy Stuffed Shells by The Recipe Rebel recipe takes the flavor of perogies and transforms them into a hearty pasta dish. That is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. It all starts with shell-shaped pasta, which is stuffed with a mixture of mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. So tasty!
Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Chicken and Mushroom Casserole by The Lemon Bowl is a comfort food dish that is perfect for your holiday dinner. This version, with a crispy panko topping, takes the traditional recipe to the next level.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Turkey Noodle Casserole by Creole Contessa is a hearty casserole that can make a full meal. Or it can add a little variety to your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole by Creole Contessa is packed with breakfast sausage, hashbrowns, and cheese, all cooked together. Also. the best part is that everything is made in one pot using your trusty slow cooker.
With so many different options to choose from, there are bound to be a few of these make-ahead Thanksgiving casseroles that you can use to make your holiday meal stress-free! So, if you give one of these recipes a try. I’d love for you to leave me a comment and let me know what you think about it.
Comments & Reviews
Lori says
These look great! For the corn & bacon casserole, what do you do to make it ahead of time? Assemble the entire casserole and heat it before serving? Or hold off on the bacon until serving? Thanks!
Tara Noland says
If making the corn casserole I would do it all ahead of time and have the bacon ready and then about 5-10 minutes before it is done added the bacon continue to bake and then serve.
Jessica says
I made the corn and bacon casserole last year and pinned this post. Everyone raved over it! I am going to be making several of these for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Thank you for making my life easier!!!
Tara Noland says
Awesome, so glad that one was a hit, enjoy and Happy Holidays!!
gissie says
Thank you , we love it all
Barbara says
Can you freeze the sweet potato casserole
Tara Noland says
Yes, I would freeze the topping separately or make it fresh before you bake it. Enjoy!
Misty Reynolds says
These look amazing!
Tara Noland says
Thank you, enjoy!!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
Such a great round up with so many good recipes and so useful.
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
You’ve outdone yourself with this one, Tara. Fantastic categories! YUM!
April J Harris says
Love that these are all make ahead – what a great way to make Thanksgiving easier! All the recipes look delicious – what a fantastic collection, Tara!
Kirsten says
Tara,
Thanks for allowing me to share your round up in my Best Thanksgiving Round Ups post! I appreciate your contribution to the cornucopia of recipes. With your help, we’ve got hundreds of recipes for all sorts of Thanksgiving needs, from setting the table, to making ahead, to vegetarian dishes, to more desserts than my brain can comprehend.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tara Noland says
That is an amazing collection of recipes, great idea!! Thanks for including this one in yours!!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
Thanks for featuring my Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow & Pecan Streusel! This round-up is absolutely fabulous! I’d like one of everything. 🙂 Pinned!
Tara Noland says
You are so welcome Allison, thanks for the great recipes!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
What a beautiful collection of holiday sides! I love that they can all be made ahead of time – anything that helps save time on the day itself is a winner in my book! Thanks so much for including me, Tara!
Tara Noland says
Thank you so much Faith, I love all of your creations!
Lisa @creolecontessa says
Thanks for including me Tara! Everything looks so delicious!
Tara Noland says
Thanks for making such great recipes all the time Lisa!!
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
EVERY single one of these look so mouth-watering delicious! I can’t wait to make a few for Thanksgiving. Great roundup and thank you for including my baked potato casserole! 🙂
Tara Noland says
You are so welcome, glad you liked them all!!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
There are some really delicious ideas here, Tara. Thanks so much for sharing a couple of mine 🙂 I’ll definitely be sharing this one through the holiday season!
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish says
Great round up, Tara!!!
Tara Noland says
Thank you so much Suzy!